The injury is something that had been bothering him and flared up during one of the warm-up games some players participate in before taking the ice for the official pregame warmup, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said.

“He was just warming up before the game, and it tightened up,” Yzerman said.

Malone will require rest, Yzerman said, with no testing expected at this time, indicating it could be a muscle as opposed to a structural issue.

The loss will hurt Tampa Bay up front, as Malone is one of the team’s most physical forwards.

He often provided a solid net-front presence and a good nose for goal, scoring 4G-1A-5PTS through 10 games this season, including the game winner against Ottawa on Jan. 25.

Way to go Bugsy! Hurt yourself kicking a soccer ball around before the game! Too many injuries for this guy for what we pay him! Need a win tonight against the Habs to stop the bleeding and we don’t need players getting hurt playing soccer!
Go Bolts!!!!!!!!!!!